Andy Burnham's plan to devolve power by allowing England's regional mayors a share of income tax aims to address regional inequalities. While economists support the principle, challenges include avoiding weaker economies falling behind, repairing damage from austerity, and a lack of local government expertise and resources.
Andy Burnham proposes a radical plan to decentralise English government, empowering regional mayors with tax revenues and investment capacity, aiming to address economic disparities and deindustrialisation by fostering resilient local economies across the country.
Labour MPs and regional mayors, including Andy Burnham's allies, propose a mutualised model for UK water companies, turning them into not-for-profit entities run by local people. This 'third way' aims to avoid government debt from nationalisation, address company failings like sewage dumping, and could first be tested with financially struggling Thames Water.
UK publishers advocate for greater local media support to ensure accountability under Andy Burnham's devolution plans, citing challenges from big tech, misinformation, and limited journalist access, despite a new £12m government fund to address "news deserts."
The City of London expresses concern over Labour's Rachel Reeves' potential departure, citing her City-friendly policies. Concurrently, the Bank of England warns that an AI crash, driven by the sector's S&P 500 dominance, could trigger a UK recession, while fears grow over a potentially more left-leaning future UK chancellor.
England's regional mayors will gain the ability to borrow against future income and retain a share of income tax and business rates from 2028, replacing existing grants. This "transformational" shift, announced by Andy Burnham, aims to empower local leaders to invest in major projects and improve public services, moving decision-making out of Whitehall.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to give English city region mayors a share of income tax revenue and business rates, alongside greater control over services like housing and transport. This move, set for 2027-2028, aims to devolve power from Westminster but faces criticism over a lack of detail and potential funding disparities.
The mayors of Charleston and Boise describe how data-driven city governance is helping them address flooding, housing costs, and public services. They argue that collaboration across departments and residents is producing faster, cheaper solutions.
Andy Burnham announced regional mayors will play a leading role in UK economic policy through the revived National Economic Council and the opening of No 10 North in Manchester, aiming for a significant rebalancing of power and driving growth across the UK.
Mayors from flood and cyclone-affected parts of Queensland protested in Melbourne against planned federal disaster funding changes, which would cap federal contributions at 50% instead of the usual 65%. They seek clarity on who will cover the resulting funding gap, fearing significant impacts on community recovery efforts.
A paper by JP Spencer, a key advisor to Andy Burnham, proposes giving mayors broad powers over public services like social care, childcare, and skills. This aims to tackle regional inequality in England by shifting power from central government to local leaders.
Mayors like Andy Burnham are eyeing higher office, but can their experience running cities translate to national leadership? Experts weigh in on delivery, investor wooing, and financial constraints.
Forty mayors globally have signed a pact setting conditions for AI data centers, addressing concerns over power grid strain, water depletion, and housing shortages. Launched by C40 Cities, the agreement promotes clean energy, responsible site selection, and community benefits.
Michael Bloomberg's philanthropic efforts have significantly influenced Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, since 2017. A leadership program funded by Bloomberg and run by Harvard opened Burnham's eyes to the 'gravitas' of U.S. city leaders, shaping his approach to regional power and his current bid for national leadership.
UK ministers are exploring a major reform of the tax system, potentially devolving billions of pounds in business rates to regional mayors. The move aims to give local leaders more control over tax revenue, reward economic growth, and address regional inequality, with proposals expected in the upcoming budget.
The Prime Minister attended the National Mayors Conference, held summit talks with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and Lao PM Sonxay Siphandone, and participated in a House of Representatives Legal Affairs Committee meeting.
Patrick Bruel has cancelled his "Alors regarde" 35th anniversary tour due to pressure from mayors and festival organizers. The tour was set to begin in mid-June and conclude in December.
Around 10,000 protesters in South Korea demand a re-run of local elections due to a ballot shortage that prevented some voters from casting ballots, leading to the resignation of the National Election Commission head.
Andrea Jenkyns, Reform mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, walked out of a meeting with Communities Secretary Steve Reed and other mayors after a heated debate about social media's role in exacerbating community tensions following the murder of Henry Nowak. Jenkyns argued for freedom of speech, while others blamed foreign actors and political exploitation.
South Korea's 9th simultaneous local elections saw historic firsts, including the first re-elected mayors in Yongin and Ansan, and three-term female leaders in Anseong and Gwacheon. A candidate in Siheung secured a win without opposition, becoming the youngest three-term mayor. Young women also made significant gains in provincial council elections.
Three former Gyeongbuk provincial administrative officials, Ahn Byung-yun (Yecheon County), Kim Hak-hong (Mungyeong City), and Kim Byung-sam (Yeongcheon City), have been elected as mayors and county chiefs in the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections. All three, who ran for the first time, emphasized their extensive administrative experience over political careers to address local issues.
A forum in Beijing on June 3rd, 2026, focused on strengthening China-Africa traditional friendship and exploring new cooperation opportunities. Mayors and representatives from seven African countries discussed cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and technological advancements, particularly in AI.
South Korea's Democratic Party is projected to win most local elections, serving as a key assessment of President Lee Jae-myung's first year. A close race in Busan remains too close to call.
South Koreans are voting in local elections for mayors, governors, and council members. Turnout was 7.4% as of 9 a.m., with early voting reaching a record high. The elections are a key test for the Lee Jae Myung administration.
